Disney's Thanksgiving entry Frozen has warmed its way to $500 million at the worldwide box office following a spectacular showing at the Christmas box office, where it nearly upset The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug over the weekend.

The Disney Animation Studios title -- which has earned roughly $250 million both domestically and internationally -- is Disney's fourth film to reach the milestone, joiningMarvel pics Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World and Pixar's animated prequel Monsters University. Domestically, it is the studio's most successful animated film after The Lion King ($422.8 million).

The Golden Globe-nominated film opened wide in North America on Nov. 27 to earn $93.6 million for the five-day holiday debut, setting a new record for the largest Thanksgiving debut in history. It was also the largest opening ever for a Walt Disney Animation Studios film.

Starring the voices of Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, IdinaMenzeland Jonathan Groff, Frozen turned in a dazzling performance at the Christmas box office in the biggest surprise of the crowded holiday season. Over the post-Christmas weekend, Frozen grossed $28.7 million, just shy of the $29 million earned by Desolation of Smaug, which opened mid-December. Its staying power is a testament to the fortunes a family pic can enjoy when there is little competition.

Internationally, Frozen became the biggest Walt Disney Animation Studios release of all time in the U.K./Ireland Monday. The film has yet to be released in several territories including China, Brazil, Argentina, Korea and Japan.